Top having two handles

ABSTRACT

A spinning top is manufactured from a single element and has a central curved portion. The central curved portion generally forms an open circle. The central curved portion is provided with a pair of linear elements, one on each side. The central curved portion includes a central point. By grasping either or both linear elements by the digits of the hand and rapidly twisting, the top will rotate on a surface about the central point. The spinning top may have a height in the range of about ½ of an inch to about 3 feet. When spun, the top will give a three dimensional effect. Appropriately sized objects may be placed in the central curved portion to alter the top&#39;s appearance while spinning. The single element has a cross-section which may be chosen from, but not limited to, the group of a circle, a triangle, a polygon, a cross, a hexagon, an octogon and an ovoid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Israeli Patent Application number 128,987 filed Mar. 15, 1999. Additionally, this application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/525,809 filed on Mar. 15, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to rotating devices which may be employed in games. More particularly, the present invention concerns a top made from a single blank which is manufactured in such a fashion as to have a central curved body portion and two handle elements. By imparting a force to one or both handle elements the top will be caused to spin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Tops are spinning toys and are known in the art. Tops require a limited degree of skill to operate and produce little visual effect when spun. The upper portion of the top usually includes a handle for spinning the top. Tops which use string to impart rotation are also known in the art. None of the prior art devices have the unique structure as the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is directed to a top with two handles. The top and handles may be made from a single piece of curved wire or other material. Either one of the two handles may be employed when emparting rotation to the top causing the top to spin. The handles are integral with the curved portion of the top as shown in the figures. Further, the present invention is directed to the method of manufacture of the top with two handles. Additionally, for the convenience of the reader, the top with two handles or spinning top of the instant invention may be referred to simply as the ‘top’.

[0005] Additional features and elements of the top may be provided. One such feature includes where the top comprises a curved body and two substantially linear handles of a predetermined length. The top of the instant invention is formed from a single piece, which may be molded, bent or formed into the unique shape.

[0006] When the top is spinning, it is balanced on a central point. In this dynamic state, the top gives the visual appearance of a three dimensional object.

[0007] The spinning top is manufactured from a single element and has a central curved portion. The central curved portion generally forms an open circle. The central curved portion is provided with a pair of linear elements, one on each side. The central curved portion includes a central point. By grasping the linear elements by the digits of the hand and rapidly twisting, the top will rotate on a surface about the central point. The spinning top may have a height in the range of about ½ of an inch to about 3 feet. When spun, the top will give a three dimensional effect. Appropriately sized objects may be placed in the central curved portion to alter the top's appearance while spinning. The single element has a cross-section which may be chosen from, but not limited to, the group of a circle, a triangle, a polygon, a cross, a hexagon, an octogon and an ovoid.

[0008] The approximate dimensions of the different portions of the top are important. Essentially, the top is comprised of a single element having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion.

[0009] Each of the three portions are integral and have substantially the same cross-section, the cross-section has a diameter. The cross-section's diameter is chosen to be generally less than {fraction (1/16)}th the radius of the partial circle as defined in the next paragraph. The cross-section further has the property that it is equal along the first portion, the second portion and the third portion.

[0010] The second portion has been described as the curved body. The first portion and the third portion have been described previously as handles. The first portion and third portion are linear elements having equal length. The second portion is intermediate the first portion and the third portion.

[0011] The second portion has a length. It is formed into a semi-circle or a partial circle. This partial circle has a center. At ½ the distance of the second portion, the central point is located. The distance between the center of the partial circle and the central point is defined as the radius of the partial circle. It is also true, by geometry, that the distance between the center of the circle and any point on the second portion may be defined as the radius of the partial circle.

[0012] The arc, or number of degrees in the partial circle (second portion) may be chosen to be equal or greater than 180 degrees. It has been considered that in one embodiment of the top, the curved body would be a semi-circle.

[0013] The length of the first portion and third portion (the handles) may be chosen to be less than, equal to, or greater than the radius of the partial circle.

[0014] The present invention may be manufactured using various means including by hand or machine, using techniques such as filing, soldering, casting, minting, imprinting, plastic injection, from various materials, including from metal, wood, or plastic.

[0015] It will become obvious that other features, geometric relationships, sizes, proportions, methods of construction and manufacture, materials employed and advantages of the instant invention may be made.

[0016] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0017] In this respect, before explaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will be better understood after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a side view of the top;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a graphical view of the top shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the top creating a three dimesional visual effect;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a view of a top with a triangular cross section;

[0024]FIG. 5 is a view of a top with a rectangular cross section;

[0025]FIG. 6 is a view of a top with cross like cross section;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a view of a top with semi circular body section;

[0027]FIG. 8 is side view of the top illustrating a user grasping one of the handles in preparation for spinning the top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which provides a view of the top having two handles, designated 102. As can be seen, top 102 includes a first portion 104, a second curved portion 106, and a third portion 108. The first portion 104 may be referred to as the first handle 104. The third portion 108 may be referred to as the second handle 108. The second portion 106 may be described as a partial circle 106. Both the first portion 104 and the third portion 108 are linear elements having an equal length. The second portion 106 or partial circle 106 has all the geometric properties of a circle, including radius, diameter, area, etcetera. The second portion 106 may also be referred to as a curved body.

[0029] The cross-section at any point along the top 102 in this Figure is circular. Top 102 has a uniform cross section throughout its length. The second portion is an open circle with an arc of more than 180 degrees. Either handle 104 or 108 or both may be grasped and spun, where upon releasing the handle, the top balances on a central point 110 on the exterior surface of the second portion 106. Even when one handle (either 104 or 106) is grasped and used to spin the top 102, the top 102 will move so that it is rotating about the central point 110. Whichever method is used, either one or two handle spinning, the top 102 will perform sustained spinning about its spinning (central) axis 112.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of top 102 is shown. Again we see the first portion 104, the second portion 106 and the third portion 108. Recall that the first portion 104 may be referred to as the first handle 104 and that the third portion 108 may be referred to as the second handle 108. Note how the first handle 104 is not parallel to the the second handle 108. Additionally, the second portion 106 is a partial circle which is greater than 180 degrees.

[0031] When the top 102 is spun, it will rotate about the spinning axis 112. Central point 110 will be in contact with a table, ground or any generally horizontal surface while the top 102 spins. It can be seen that the top 102 is symmetric about the spinning axis 112.

[0032] One may further define a first handle axis 114 and a second handle axis 116. When extrapolated, the first handle axis 114 and the second handle axis 116 intersect each other as well as the spinning axis 112 at point N.

[0033] The center of the of the partial circle 106 is designated O and is also located on the spinning axis 112. The radius R is the general distance from the partial circle 106 to the center O.

[0034] The height H of top 102 should be in the range of about between 15 and 1000 millimeters. Although smaller and larger tops may be made according to the invention, they may be difficult to rotate.

[0035] The length L of both the first handle 104 and the second handle 108 should be at least 1 centimeter. This would permit ease of grasping. Additionally, handles 104 and 106 should not exceed the diameter of the partial circle 106 which is defined as 2R. The length of the handles 104 and 108 are preferably in the range of about R/2 to 2R.

[0036] The intersection of the first handle axis 114 and the second handle axis 116 forms an angle theta. The angle theta should be in about the range of between 60 and 90 degrees. The distance between the center point O and point N should be no more than about ⅓ R.

[0037] The top 102 may be made out of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, iron, stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, silver and gold. Additionally, the top 102 may be manufactured out of wire, twisted wire, or a wire wrapped about an object such as a coin. The top 102 may be manufactured from different colored material and from material with different textures.

[0038] Further, the second portion 106 may hold a variety of objects within its boundaries. These include, but are not limited to, gemstones, coins, electronic objects, lights, sound generators and or devices which interact with the spinning motion of the top 102 to produce votive or audible effects. These objects may include indicia receiving surfaces, miniaturized plaques containing graphics or texts, engravings, printings and the like.

[0039] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, the top 102 is shown spinning about the spinning axis 112. The spinning of the top 102 creates a visual effect. The visual effect is such that when the top 102 is spinning, the appearance of a 3 dimensional object is produced. Although the top 102 can be spun by hand, a machine or a string may be employed to place the top 102 into a spinning state. FIG. 3 shows top 102 in the spinning state.

[0040] Now, referring to FIGS. 4, 5, & 6, several different embodiments of the top 102 are shown. The main difference in each of the embodiments is that their cross-section is different.

[0041] Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the top 120 is shown with a triangular cross section 122. Referring now to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of the top 130 is shown with a square or diamond shaped cross section 132. Referring now to FIG. 6, a fourth embodiment of the top 140 is shown with a cross section having the appearance of a (+) plus sign 142. This plus sign cross section 142 may also be referred to as a cross shaped cross section 142.

[0042] All of the exemplery cross sections discussed lend themselves to an ease of grasping with the hand, to impart a twisting motion, thus sending the top into a spinning state.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 7, a fifth embodiment of the top 150 is shown.

[0044] Top 150 has a semi-circular element 152 which includes a first side 154 and a second side 156. A linear element 158 is intermediate the first side 154 and the second side 156, further the intermediate element connects the first side 154 to the second side 156. A first handle 160 and a second handle 162 are affixed to the midpoint of the linear element 158. The first handle 160 and the second handle 162 have an angle gamma between them as shown. By grasping the first handle 160 or the second handle 162 a twisting a spin can be imparted to the top 150. The top 150 will spin about the central point 166. All of the variations of size, materials, add-ons, etcetera apply to these other embodiments of the top (120, 130, 140, & 150).

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8, the method of spinning top 102 is shown. One of the handles, either the first portion 104 or the third portion 108 is grasped by the user. By twisting the handle, rotation is imparted to the top 102. Because of the symmetrical nature of the top 102, the top 102 will translate until it reaches the central point 110 where it will spin along the spinning axis 112. As can clearly be seen in FIG. 8, the handle is held substantially vertical to the surface, when first applying rotational force thereto, and the initial rotation of the top 102 is not about the spinning axis 112 (just when the top is first spun). The top 102, once spinning, will translate along its outer perimeter to the spinning axis 112. 

I claim:
 1. A spinning top comprising, a single element having a cross-section, said single element having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, said first portion and said third portion are comprised of a linear element of equal length, said second portion is comprised of a curved body, said curved body having a center, said curved body having a central point, said first portion and said third portion located equidistant from said central point and said first portion and said third portion oriented generally radially from said center, whereby said top is spun when a user applies a rotational force to at least one of either said first portion or said third portion, and said top spins on a surface about said central point.
 2. A spinning top as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cross-section is circular.
 3. A spinning top as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cross-section is triangular.
 4. A spinning top as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cross-section is diamond shaped.
 5. A spinning top as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cross-section takes the appearance of a plus sign (+).
 6. A spinning top as claimed in claim 1 when spun, gives the appearance of a three-dimensional object.
 7. A spinning top with a first handle and a second handle for spinning said top, said top comprising: a single element having an unitary cross-section, said single element having a partial circular element centrally located thereon, said partial circular element having a right side and a left side, said right side adapted to have said first handle depending therefrom, said left side adapted to have said second handle depending therefrom, said first handle and said second handle being in a non-parallel relation, and said first handle and said second handle further being outside said partial circular element, whereby when a user applies a rotational force to either said first handle or said second handle said top will spin.
 8. A spinning top as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cross-section is circular.
 9. A spinning top as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cross-section is triangular.
 10. A spinning top as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cross-section is diamond shaped.
 11. A spinning top as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cross-section takes the appearance of a plus sign (+).
 12. A spinning top as claimed in claim 7, when spun, gives the appearance of a three-dimensional object.
 13. A spinning top as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second portion holds an object within its boundaries.
 14. A spinning top as claimed in claim 7 wherein said partial circular element holds an object within its boundaries. 